Baanam

The film is set in 1989 at Ranasthali in Srikakulam district. Bhagat (Nara Rohith) is an idealistic youngster who aspires to become IPS officer, as he believes that only justice can be brought through 'legal system'. His father is a Naxalite leader but 'retires' from the movement to spend time with his son. One day, Bhagat happens to see newly wed woman (Vedika) sitting at Railway Station alone and he comes to know from her that her in-laws sent her away to bring dowry. On the same day, her father dies, her in-laws reject her, and so he brings her to his home. Soon a local rowdy eyes on her that makes Bhagat to fight with him. In the mêlée, the rowdy dies and Bhagat goes to jail. On the other hand, several police offices try to contain the activities of the rowdy's boss, Patnaik (Ranadheer), but couldn't do so. How our hero Bhagat does it being within the 'system' forms the rest of the story.

Banam is a sensible movie. Niche audiences who like films with different approach and offbeat stories can like it. Although it starts off pretty promisingly and sets you up rather well, it fails to continue the same till the end. Debutant director Chaitanya should be commended for treading off the beaten track in narrating the movie and in selecting the story. Despite slow pace of the movie, first half arrests you and intrigues you. The song, Kadile Padam , has good lyrical value (Vanamali). It is nice that débutant director Chaitanya Dantaloori has brought some realism into Telugu films at a time Tollywood increasingly falling into the trap of masala movies.

The script has been written well and the dialogues were the highlight. The screenplay was neat, the narrative of the film went smooth. Real credit goes to the gripping background score and also to the songs that added melody. Cinematography was standard but could have been better, editing was crisp, costumes were effective and the art department was natural.

On the ground of change in telugu cinema in recent times, just imagine had this movie been released in 2019 instead of 2009 the impact would have been different for sure. A movie raja varu rani varu got so much attention in social media unlike banam since a similar introvert hero character with deep character inside doesnt get the deserved attention in the social media is unfortunate. Rohith was fresh and young and more into the the character. Must appreciate the director for few awesome dailogues in the movie. The relation between hero and heroine is pure and without any inhibitions. Watch first half an hour and if u get connected to the rohiths character then continue or else u may not seem this movie interesting. Because bagath(rohith) is not understood unanimously.

Baanam is a sensible movie. The look and feel of the movie is of 1980's style and the director bought it well. The movie drags your attention for the dialogs. Nara Rohit, enters Telugu film industry with a bang !!! A newcomer always expects a regular commercial film to entertain the audience, to show that he can dance, fight and perform well. But Nara Rohit was totally contrast for this film. There are good action sequences and really good dialogs. His voice was the greatest asset in the movie.

Other than his performance, what interested me was the background score and the soundtracks of the film, though there are one or two songs in the movie, the re recording was by far the best in Telugu films. Mani Sharma who's known for his Music and soundtracks gives the best of his.

Vedika was the female lead of this film, she did the role of a Brahmin girl and she was apt to that role. Rajeev Kanakala and Bhanuchander did important roles in the film. Sayaji Shinde is show stealer for this film, The father son thread is quite interesting in this film. Sayaji Shinde is an anti social element and Nara Rohit is an aspiring IPS. Not just these characters, but the Shakthi character by Ranadhir was awesome. He was ruthless at times.

I loved the climax of the film, the director didn't reveal what actually happened to Shakthi. The movie's intention was made clear by the dialog of Nara Rohit. "Vaadu Chacchadu Ani Thelisthe Inko Shakthi Vasthadu, Vadini Champesaru Ani Thelisthe Vigraham Kadtharu" is one of my favorite dialog.

Chaitanya Danturluri should be commended for making an honest attempt, 9/10 for this film. Baanam stays in the top row of my all time favorite films. I will be curious to see the next film of this director.

I typically never feel like leaving a review but this is such a brilliant film. U can certainly see some flaws in the film but it's overshadowed by the unique approach this film has. I certainly have to credit Nara rohit for accepting this film as his debut. If I ever became an actor I can't think of a better film to start off with on par with Rana's Leader. Shoutout out to the cinematography; not sure where they shot the film but the locations are awesome. Address many problems very subtle and now I am just writing because I need to hit the minimum word count : if anything just watch the film that's it.